Random LTL Rants (all are welcomed)

I was kinda wondering if that was about something specific, or if you'd finally just lost your mind and were all "They'll pay!! THEY'LL ALL PAY!!" while sharpening your machete.

 

That pic could have come from my own phone. Its something that our dum bass forklift driver would do in a heartbeat. If he didn't stack something on top first.

He once told me to get off the dock, If I couldn't handle how he loaded the trucks.
I informed him that he was going to deliver that trailer, if he didn't watch his mouth and get with the program.
Mind you he is the guy that will NOT stack any of his own freight. His is ALL floor loaded, and neat as a pin. But anyone else is hosed.

I WILL NOT tolerate being yelled at, by anyone.
We had an exchange of words, and were eventually told to walk away from each other.

 

An interesting read. Now that I'm retired, I can reflect a bit. Drove LTL three times in my 42 year trucking related career.

Benton Express out of FL from 1989-1993. Line Haul and P&D. First as a casual then full time. I'll just say that I appreciated the opportunity and leave it at that. 1998-1999 as a casual P&D driver for Averitt in the Carolinas. A complete riot - the less I say the better. 2010 at R&L in the Carolinas as a casual Line Haul driver. Excellent experiences. They offered me a full time position but I was waiting to be recalled from Layoff at the employer I eventually retired from. Many memories.

 

To clarify, I was only at Averitt for about 3 months during 1999. First day: instructed to come in at 1300 to do the afternoon pickups. Assigned tractor had a bum 5th wheel, wouldn't lock to assigned trailer. Got out of tractor to see if I could remedy the problem and noticed a group of about a half dozen standing nearby, observing. No 'entertainment' today, sorry. No other spare tractors at the moment. Often came in at the prescribed time and sent home because there was nothing for me to do. Often sent out with shipments after the receiver's cutoff - most turned me away.

Had to supply my own pallet jack and hand truck - a new concept to me and no spares on the dock. Unable to locate customer on several occasions - no one picked up the phone (or disconnected) and dispatch was of no help. Clearly I wasn't wanted (or needed). A low point in my career. Many dysfunctional employment venues within this time frame. Had just re-entered trucking full time the previous year after being a part time gig for the preceding four years.

Much to reflect back on.

 

Great news, RR! Course, we'll have to bust on you for not being a Real Truck Driver now.

 

Congrats on choosing sanity and happiness and family life over money. I enjoyed my straight truck airfreight days, and would do it again if I could find a decent spot. You got it made.